Queer Theology

In this episode, we discuss the difference between affirming theology and queer theology. We talk about the origin of queertheology.com and explore the ineffectiveness of arguing for affirmation and the need for a more proactive approach. We also delve into the rich history of queer theology and its ability to save and transform faith. It’s important to emphasize the distinction between individual experiences and organizational priorities, along with recognizing that feeling of dissonance. We recognize the precariousness of LGBTQ+ rights and the limitations of assimilation, which leads us to believing in the proactive nature of queer theology and its intersectionality with other liberation theologies.    Takeaways Queer theology offers a proactive and transformative approach to faith, going beyond the debate of LGBTQ+ affirmation. Individual experiences may differ from organizational priorities, and it is important to recognize and reckon with this dissonance. Assimilation is not a guarantee of LGBTQ+ rights, and the fight for liberation requires constant vigilance and action. Queer theology is part of a larger tapestry of liberation theologies, contributing to a more inclusive and just world.   Chapters (03:20) The Rich History of Queer Theology   (05:35) Queer Theology’s Commitment to Queer People   (06:37) Personal Transformation through Queer Theology   (08:43) The Importance of Individual Experiences vs. Organizational Priorities   (11:25) Distinguishing Between the Reformation Project and its Participants   (13:45) Recognizing Dissonance and Reckoning with Organizational Priorities   (15:13) The Importance of Community and Family   (18:13) The Precariousness of LGBTQ+ Rights   (20:01) The Proactive Nature of Queer Theology   (21:50) The Intersectionality of Liberation Theologies   (23:37) Queer Theology as a Call to Action   (26:48) The Transformative Power of Queer Theology   (29:04) The Personal and Pastoral Healing of Queer Theology   (30:33) Announcement of Workshop Series: From Affirmation to Liberation     Resources: Join the waitlist for the workshop From Affirmation to Liberation at queertheology.com/class  Join the  Sanctuary Collective Community If you want to support the Patreon and help keep the podcast up and running, you can learn more and pledge your support at patreon.com/queertheology.   EPISODE TRANSCRIPT The post Affirming Theology Vs. Queer Theology appeared first on Queer Theology.

We got more big news: Fr. Shay is writing another book! In this episode, he talks about his inspiration to write, ‘No One Taught Me How to Be a Man: What a Trans Man’s Experience Reveals About Masculinity.’ We discuss the shifts in masculinity and how it is viewed among different groups, navigating masculinity as a trans man, and the crisis of masculinity. Shay shares how the gift of transness and the importance of intentionality has shaped his own masculinity. Cis folks can learn alot from a trans perspective on masculinity, you’re gonna want to check out his book!   Takeaways Masculinity is a complex and evolving concept that can be explored through personal experiences and research. There is a crisis of masculinity that affects men’s physical and mental health, relationships, and overall well-being. Men can divest from harmful masculinities by listening to others’ experiences, examining their own behaviors and choices, and being intentional in their actions. Trans individuals have a unique perspective on masculinity and can offer valuable insights into redefining and understanding it. The journey of self-discovery and intentional masculinity can lead to a deeper sense of self and healthier relationships.   Chapters   (0:00) Intro (4:09) The Inspiration for the Book  (8:29) Shifts in Masculinity from 2008 to 2023  (10:24) Navigating Masculinity as a Trans Man  (21:05) The Crisis of Masculinity  (25:34) Navigating the Fraught Conversation  (26:55) Actions for Divesting from Harmful Masculinities  (31:49) Staying Updated on the Book  (33:14) Outro   Resources: Get more info on Fr. Shay’s book and join his email list at shannontlkearns.com Join the  Sanctuary Collective Community If you want to support the Patreon and help keep the podcast up and running, you can learn more and pledge your support at patreon.com/queertheology. EPISODE TRANSCRIPT The post A Trans Perspective on Masculinity appeared first on Queer Theology.

We got some big news here: Brian is writing a book! He shares his big and exciting news of signing a book deal to write about polyamory and spirituality. A topic we have been keen to talk about for years now, even if it got us some pretty good push-back! Brian discusses his journey to polyamory and the lack of resources from a Christian and queer male perspective. We explore the challenges and stigma of polyamory in Christian spaces and the anxiety surrounding sexuality. Brian explains the unique approach of his book, which goes beyond a how-to guide and delves into the connections between polyamory and spirituality.  Takeaways Brian has signed a book deal to write a book about polyamory and spirituality. Polyamory is often stigmatized and misunderstood in Christian spaces. There is a need for resources that explore the connections between polyamory and spirituality from a Christian and queer male perspective. Integrating polyamory and spirituality involves understanding and aligning personal values with relationship structures.   Chapters (00:00) Introduction and Brian’s Big News (03:36) Brian’s Journey to Polyamory (09:56) Challenges and Stigma of Polyamory in Christian Spaces (14:11) Anxiety about Sexuality in Christian Spaces (22:47) Brian’s Book and its Unique Approach (25:21) The Connection between Polyamory and Spirituality (29:23) What Monogamous People Can Learn from Polyamory (35:43) Integrating Polyamory and Spirituality (38:03) Stay Updated on Brian’s Book (40:32) Closing Remarks Resources: Get more info on when Brian’s book at briangerald.com/book Join the  Sanctuary Collective Community If you want to support the Patreon and help keep the podcast up and running, you can learn more and pledge your support at patreon.com/queertheology. Want to have your question featured on an episode? Call or text us at (240)200-0922   EPISODE TRANSCRIPT The post Love Beyond Monogamy appeared first on Queer Theology.

Fr. Shay talks with Angela J Herrington and discusses her new book, “Deconstructing Your Faith Without Losing Yourself.” Angela shares her personal journey of faith and the experiences that led her to write the book. She talks about her definition of deconstruction as the process of examining and questioning beliefs to determine what is worth keeping. She also addresses common misconceptions about deconstruction and explains why it has become a popular topic of discussion. We touch on the importance of slowing down, embracing uncertainty, and finding joy in the deconstruction process. Her book aims to support individuals navigating deconstruction.   Takeaways Deconstruction is the process of examining and questioning beliefs to determine what is worth keeping. Common misconceptions about deconstruction include viewing it as lazy or the easy way out. Slowing down, embracing uncertainty, and finding joy in the deconstruction process are important for personal growth. Angela’s book, ‘Deconstructing Your Faith Without Losing Yourself,’ offers a practice-based approach to deconstruction and aims to support individuals in their journey. Deconstruction conversations have gained momentum due to the church’s failure to address issues of injustice and the rise of online platforms. It is important to prioritize mental health and seek therapy or coaching support during the deconstruction process. The book is for individuals who are questioning their beliefs, struggling with self-doubt, or feeling stuck in their deconstruction journey. Angela’s website, angelajherrington.com, provides additional resources and information about her work.   Chapters (2:54) The Journey of Faith and Church Experiences (08:48) Questions and Doubts in the Church (13:22) Understanding Deconstruction (17:46) The Rise of Deconstruction Conversations (20:32) Writing the Book and Its Purpose (27:01) Embracing Uncertainty and Slowing Down (35:07) The Book’s Audience and Impact (37:38) Where to Find More Information (40:20) Outro   Resources: Deconstructing Your Faith Without Losing Yourself by Angela Herrington Website, https://angelajherrington.com/  Join the  Sanctuary Collective Community If you want to support the Patreon and help keep the podcast up and running, you can learn more and pledge your support at patreon.com/queertheology. Want to have your question featured on an episode? Call or text us at (240)200-0922 EPISODE TRANSCRIPT The post Deconstruct Your Faith Without Losing Yourself with Angela Herrington appeared first on Queer Theology.

We’re gonna queer Lent in this episode, y’all! We discuss how to make Lenten practices more inclusive and meaningful for queer and trans individuals and talk about our own personal Lenten practices. We got some ideas for you on how to connect your queerness with spirituality during this season. We also get into the importance of community care, the value of queer organizations, and the significance of reading queer and trans theology. One of our biggest themes is how important it is to take care of our bodies. So it is especially important to  re-inhabit and care for our bodies as part of a queer Lenten practice.    Takeaways Lent is traditionally observed as the 40 days leading up to Easter, and it is a time of fasting, prayer, and almsgiving. Queering Lent involves making the practice more inclusive and meaningful for queer and trans individuals. Additive practices, such as reading queer and trans theology or supporting queer organizations, can be incorporated into Lenten observance. Re-inhabiting and caring for our bodies is an important aspect of a queer Lenten practice.   Chapters: (02:28) Personal Lenten Practices (09:21) Queering Lent (16:16) Connecting Lent and Queerness (19:38) Additive Practices (24:08) Investing in Community (25:20) Re-inhabiting the Body (27:36) Conclusion and Plug for Sanctuary Collective Resources: Join the  Sanctuary Collective Community If you want to support the Patreon and help keep the podcast up and running, you can learn more and pledge your support at patreon.com/queertheology. Want to have your question featured on an episode? Call or text us at (240)200-0922 EPISODE TRANSCRIPT The post Queering Lent appeared first on Queer Theology.

We’ve got our first crossover episode this week! Fr. Shay is introducing his new podcast, ‘In the Margins,’ and talks about how this podcast is set up like a weekly sermon, mixed with some storytelling, mixed with reading these familiar texts from the margins. For his first episode, “In Christ and in Colossae,” he is diving into Colossians 1:1-2 and confronting the harms these texts have caused. Follow Fr. Shay’s podcast for a new episode each week!    Resources: In The Margins with Shannon TL Kearns Join the  Sanctuary Collective Community If you want to support the Patreon and help keep the podcast up and running, you can learn more and pledge your support at patreon.com/queertheology. Want to have your question featured on an episode? Call or text us at (240)200-0922 EPISODE TRANSCRIPT The post In the Margins appeared first on Queer Theology.

It’s no secret that we’re big fans of all bodies and embodiment and in this episode we discuss the intersection of bodies and spirituality. We both have had personal experiences with shame and disconnection from our bodies, particularly in relation to  gender identity. Fr. Shay talks about how transitioning helped him become more aware of and connected to his body and also helped him explore the concept of ‘embodied spirituality’ in Catholicism where there is emphasis on taking care of the body as it ages. We want to emphasize by having this conversation the need for self-care and the belief that the body is WORTHY of care.  Takeaways Shame and disconnection from the body can be common experiences, particularly for queer individuals who have been taught to despise their bodies. Transitioning can be a transformative experience that helps individuals become more aware of and connected to their bodies. Embodied spirituality is an important aspect of Catholicism, with rituals and practices that involve the physical body. Taking care of the body is essential, especially as it ages, and it is important to recognize that the body is worthy of care. Starting small and building confidence in caring for the body can open up possibilities for self-discovery and self-acceptance.   Chapters (01:01) Shame and Disconnection from the Body (03:23) Transitioning and Reconnecting with the Body (05:20) Embodied Spirituality in Catholicism (06:28) Using the Body in Spiritual Practices (08:21) Taking Care of the Body and Aging (11:06) The Importance of Self-Care and Worthiness (13:22) Viewing the Body as a Temple (15:20) Creating Rituals for the Body (17:20) Starting Small and Building Confidence (22:05) Opening Up Possibilities through Small Steps (23:18) Invitation to join Soulful Sexuality Resources: Learn more and join Soulful Sexuality Join Spiritual Study Hall Join the Sanctuary Collective Community If you want to support the Patreon and help keep the podcast up and running, you can learn more and pledge your support at patreon.com/queertheology. Want to have your question featured on an episode? Call or text us at (240)200-0922 EPISODE TRANSCRIPT The post Caring For Your Body as a Sacred Act appeared first on Queer Theology.

We’re coming to you this Thursday with a special episode and a special announcement! Registration for our new course, Soulful Sexuality, opens today! In it we’re gonna explore the intersections of sexuality, spirituality, and faith from a queer perspective. We invite you to join us as we reconnect to our bodies and challenge the negative teachings around sex and sexuality. This is a course that will be a sex-positive and inclusive space for open dialogue. You can learn more and register at queertheology.com/soulful-sexuality.    Learn more and register for Soulful Sexuality The post Soulful Sexuality appeared first on Queer Theology.

This episode explores the difference between rules and ethics in the context of faith and spirituality. We share our personal experiences with rule-based perspectives and the anxiety and fear that can come with them. We discuss the presence of rules in both conservative and progressive spaces, highlighting the moral purity often found in the latter. This conversation emphasizes the importance of shifting from a rule-based perspective to one rooted in values and ethics. And we’re here to help you with all of that inside Soulful Sexuality! Takeaways Rules and ethics can play a significant role in shaping our decisions and actions in matters of faith and spirituality. Both conservative and progressive spaces can have their own sets of rules, which can lead to anxiety and fear. Shifting from a rule-based perspective to one rooted in values and ethics allows for greater agency and personal growth. Living out our values and ethics from a place of abundance and joy can lead to liberation and a sense of enoughness.   Chapters 00:00 Introduction: Difference between rules and ethics 01:26 Personal experiences with rules and ethics 06:15 Progressive spaces and rules 08:10 Fear and anxiety around rules 09:06 Shifting away from rule-based perspective 11:16 Living out values and ethics 17:13 Progressive spaces and moral purity 18:16 Religious and secular anxieties around rule following 22:46 Starting from a place of inclusion 25:02 Shifting from rules to ethics in community 29:08 Living out values from a place of abundance 30:18 Invitation to Soulful Sexuality Resources: Learn more and join Soulful Sexuality Join Spiritual Study Hall Join the Sanctuary Collective Community If you want to support the Patreon and help keep the podcast up and running, you can learn more and pledge your support at patreon.com/queertheology. Want to have your question featured on an episode? Call or text us at (240)200-0922 Episode Transcript The post Rigid Rules Vs. Sexual Ethics appeared first on Queer Theology.

In this episode, we explore the genealogy of Jesus and the inclusion of “scandalous” women in the biblical narrative. Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba, Tamar, and Mary. We dive extra into Rahab’s story, emphasizing her transformation from a sex worker to a great-(great…great…)grandmother of Jesus. The impact of Jesus’ family tree on his worldview and his encounters with scandalous women are discussed. The conversation also delves into the sanitization of biblical stories and the harm it can cause. We get into the power dynamics of controlling sexuality and the intersection of shame and silence. And finally, we talk about the importance of telling our own stories and embracing embodied spirituality. Takeaways The genealogy of Jesus includes scandalous women, challenging traditional notions of purity and righteousness. Sexual scandal has often been used as a means of maintaining power and control. The sanitization of biblical stories can lead to the erasure of the fullness and complexity of women’s experiences. Embracing our sexuality and desires can lead to a more embodied and inclusive spirituality. Chapters (01:56) The inclusion of women in the genealogy (03:25) The story of Rahab and his significance in the genealogy (05:19) The impact of Jesus’ family tree on his worldview (06:47) Jesus’ encounters with scandalous women and how sexual scandal is a threat to political power (08:48) The sanitization of biblical stories and the complexity of biblical characters (11:00) The importance of telling our own stories (13:56) The intersection of shame and silence (16:06) The inclusion of scandalous women in scripture and exploring sexuality and gender in the Bible (18:43) The control of bodies and desires for power (21:28) The fixation on certain sexual issues (22:23) Reflecting on personal sexual histories (24:52) Releasing shame and embracing embodied spirituality (29:18) Creating space for sexuality and desire in spirituality (30:16) Announcement: Soulful Sexuality Course   Resources: Learn more and join Soulful Sexuality Join Spiritual Study Hall Join the Sanctuary Collective Community In the Margins: A Transgender Man’s Journey With Scripture by Fr. Shannon TL Kearns If you want to support the Patreon and help keep the podcast up and running, you can learn more and pledge your support at patreon.com/queertheology. Want to have your question featured on an episode? Call or text us at (240)200-0922   EPISODE TRANSCRIPT The post Sexual Scandal and Uncovering Shame appeared first on Queer Theology.